Iron Stars - hauvan-meeting

The air is clear in Dremlas as @Aiden Rhys and @Daerevrurr meet at the top of the hill in the center of the city/ The Academy buildings around you are tall and impressive, and the distant Psionic Forge complex is a new impressive addition to the Dremlas skyline. After adventures exploring the previously uncharted northern continent, a new mission and a need to resupply has brought you back to the capital of the alliance to rearm, rest, and resupply. the L-Gate itself far north from here, inside the AIMS compound and protected by a mix of guards belonging to both AIMs and the wider Inheritor Alliance as a whole. Your mission to go through the gate has been approved, and the Hauvans have been told to expect visitors coming through.

Used to wake up early and eager to know more about Dalibor and the Hauvan, Rurr is at the point of rendezvous first. He is still amazed by the academy and the Psionic Forge every time he comes here. While waiting Dalibor, he is playing with Palarendor, both to entertain the Nullbird and to train himself and do some exercise.

Dalibor and Thal head to the rendezvous point, only to see Rurr there with a Nullbird as well. Calling out with a smile on his face, Dalibor waves at Rurr. "Good morning Rurr. You had mentioned a familiarity with Nullbirds, and it warms my heart to see you enjoying yourself with your friend. This is my companion Thalserix, but known as Thal. I mentioned him the other day, hoping to find a way to protect him a bit more like my old friend Goblin was able to do with his companion, Aura. I was hoping we could talk about that before we leave since I don't know what the Hauvians might have us do for them. They do not really trust others so much, and test us either with tasks or other things to ensure we will not use our talents to the detriment of either Hauvis or Saliv."

Rurr welcomes Dalibor and That with a big smile. "Happy to meet you outside of the council. This is Palarendor." says the young man while pointing at the blue Nullbird. "I will do my best to help you protect your companion. However, I'm not sure you have the required metapsionic link to warrant that That will be completely safe. That said, I guess we can try to strengthen your bond. Then, curious about their future destination, he asks: "Can you tell me more about Hauvis? Looks like a wonderful place." (Apart imbuing some of my technics in object with the Psionic Forge, I'm not sure we can do much more)

(Yeah mechanically that is all we can really do right now, which we can do after Dali answers your question)

1

"Saliv is a world that is being torn apart by the metaspace, which is why we need resonators and Orion belts. Something our ancestors did upset the balance. Hauvis is different. It feels like how Saliv could have been if we maintained a harmony with the metaspace. Their understanding of it is also much further along than ours, but not in a way that exploits or takes from Hauvis. Honestly, it has to be seen to be believed." Nodding towards Thal, "I would like to see if the Psionic Forge could help, even if it's only a little bit. I have grown very fond of Thal."

Lapping up everything that Dalibor says about the Hauvian, Rurr finally gives a energetic nod. "I see. Well, I'm looking forward to meeting them. But first..." he says while pointing at Thal, "Let's see what we can do for the two of you. Let's go to the forge!" (Here's the list of techniques that I know: The Whispering Wind (Lvl 1), Tongue of the Beasts (Lvl 1), Natural Armaments (Lvl 1), Psionic Berries (Lvl 2). Natural Armaments is probably useless for you but the three others could help.)

(I think he's looking for just the core technique so if Thal dies he can be re summoned the next day)

1

(I wasn't sure I could imbue this one. Good if that's possible)

(core techniques and level 1 right now)

2

(Ya, core technique)

4:24 PM

"I'm unsure if it's possible, but my friend Goblin could both summon Aura from a distance and bring her back if she was killed. Does that sound familiar or possible?"

Rurr nods. "This is the kind of bond I have with Palarendor. So I guess that could work. I just need to remember how Dr. Jasper did. But first, do you have something into which I could imbue that power?"

(Making a collar or something like that is a trivial thing for Dali with his fix level , so we could just spend a unit of parts to make that )

1

(Good for me)

(Was actually planning on making him a some basic Chocobo style barding) "I do have these drawings of barding for Thal. I could start it off with a simple collar and then build onto it later. I have materials nearby, so it shouldn't be too hard."

1:41 PM

"Great. While you craft the collar, I will try to tune myself with the Forge."

(Neko, do you want me to roll for anything?)

(No, the forge is time gated instead of skill gated , so this is all Rurr can make for a few months. If you want to describe how you go about making it you're free to do so, if you're both just eager to get to Hauvis, I'll move on)

1

(The use of the forge will happen out of normal time then?)

(No, we're stopping at the forge before you go to Hauvis. This is just the only item you can make for the next few months)

1

After a few moments, Rurr turns toward Dalibor. "I think I'm prepared enough. I tried to remember what Dr. Jasper did when he first used the forge and that should be good now." Pointing at the harness crafted by Dalibor, the young man adds: "Please, put this on Palarendor. It should help focus the meta-energy directly into the harness. After that, it should take me roughly one full hour to get things done." Once the harness is in place on Palarendor, Rurr moves closer to his feathered friend and places one hand on his beak. "There. Everything will be fine. Don't move and we will get this done soon Pal." As Rurr starts to concentrate on the harness and he begins to work with the Psionic forge, the straps start to emit a fain glow as they are charged with Meta-energy. (Imbuing my Core Technique- Animal Companion at level 1. It should take one hour)

(Dali just needs to let us know which of the level 1 animal companion benefits Thal is going to get so its noted)

(To be clear with you Dalibor, here's the benefits that you get: Level-0: Your bonded beast has 5 hit points plus two more for each of your character levels, a hit bonus equal to half your character level rounded down with 1d6 melee damage no Shock, a movement rate equal to your own, an AC of 15, and a Save roll of 16 minus your character level. It can communicate telepathically with you, but not directly with others. It will carry out any order not suicidal. Level-1: The bonded beast gains one of these benefits (That's what Neko is referring to): it gains +1 hit point per character level up to a maximum of +2 HP/level, its AC increases by +2 up to a maximum of 21, its movement speed increases by 10m, it is able to carry up to your level in encumbrance points, +1 to hit and damage up to +3)

(thanks for summarizing that Goblin. Take a re roll token for helping out there)

1

(oh, thanks. Though Goblin is dead. I'm Rurr.

)

(You can give the token back if I gave it to the wrong person then

)

(Nah, that's fine. I'm sure Goblin would have liked to give it to me. ^^)

(just let us know when you've had a chance to catch up Dali, I don't want to leave you behind buddy)

(Sorry on ship with spotty connection. Bonus to AC)

(No worries. I will wait if you need time.

)

(I should be good now. I'm taking a hotspot and my laptop with me this weekend while I'm stuck on ship.)

1

The collar is fitted to Thal, and the beast seems to grow slightly in stature as the meta dimensional energy infuses the creature. It is robust and strong now, much stronger than a normal nullbird thanks to Rurr's work. Your flight north to the AIMS facility, and the L-gate, is prepared.

Looking at Thal, Rurr is happy that he was able to help Dalibor. "Well. Look at this beauty! Almost as beautiful as Palarendor." he says jokingly. "I hope that you will both be able to leave plenty of adventures in the future now that Thal's life is not so much as risk anymore. And speaking about adventure, I'm eager to discover Hauvis!"

Bowing to Rurr, "Thal and I both thank you from the wellsprings of our hearts for this blessing. I am more than ready to head into the L-gate. We can take my flyer if you'd like."

"I'm happy to help, really. I'm willing to help make people and nature closer so that's a good step forward." says Rurr with a gentle smile. Then nodding enthusiastically, he adds: "Sure, let's take your flyer. Let's go!" (edited)

Shortly thereafter you are in the atmoflyer and heading north to a large facility next to the LaGrange gate leading to Hauvis. As they fly closer the large grey building can be seen with the large lettering spelling out: Artemis Institute of Metaspace Sciences. Dr. Jasper Artemis owns this facility and in cooperation with the Inheritor Alliance government , both organizations work side by side to ensure the gate is secure, and relations between both groups remain friendly. They land next to a Merchant ship with the name Chrysanthemum, the Inheritor Alliance and AIMS logos painted onto the sides. Several AIMS guards with laser rifles are waiting as the flyer comes to land.

As they travel to the north of Saliv, Rurr is excited to discover new landscapes and sceneries. When they land though, the young man is happy to get down of the transport and touch the ground again and so is Palarendor who is not getting used to flying. Noticing the AIMS logo on the buildings, Rurr questions Dalibor. "Looks like Dr. Jasper is a busy man doing a lot for the Alliance. I hope we will be able to provide as much benefits to Saliv that he does."

Nodding towards Jasper's buildings, "Indeed, he has. I honestly don't know if our Society would be nearly as far along if it weren't for Dr. Artemis and Oron. Oron created these belts that help protect us from Breach Exposure, at least for a little while; and Dr. Artemis has been instrumental in furthering our understanding of Breach Space and connecting with the Hauvians. I know that I would never have been able to accomplish their feats, but I believe each of us has a role to play in helping Saliv reach peace and prosperity." "Well, I guess we should head towards the L-Gate."

Rurr listens to Dalibor's explanation then nods. "Indeed. I hope we will be able to help and do our part to make Saliv better." Then, looking at the enormous L-Gate, he adds: "Sure. Let's go. I'm excited!"

You both pass through the shimmering gate and feel a sense of dislocation, like your atoms are being tugged on, before arriving on the other side. You emerge in a rolling grassland of blue-green stalks. The sky here is stained a bright violet with darker streaks of purple in it, and the distant trees wave in the gentle breeze. For the moment you seem to be the only living things in the area, though this will not stay for long.

(Our Nullbirds came with us or they are not allowed?)

(Should be with us)

(they're with you)

Slightly disturbed by the feeling produced when crossing the L-Gate, Rurr forgets quickly that he was on Saliv a few moments ago as he is in awe with the sights from another planet. He looks quickly around him, unable to focus his attention on any of the new things his eyes can catch to the point where he starts to feel dizzy. Stopping to recover, he sits briefly on the ground, a large smile on his face. In the meantime, first hesitantly, Palarendor starts to move around in the grassland and when she feels more confident, she starts to trot slightly, encouraging Thal to join her. "This place is marvellous. So different from Salvi!" he says, looking up at Dalibor.

"See what I mean about it being a world so much more in balance with nature and the metaspace? It's no wonder the Hauvians see us as somewhat naughty children who have ruined their playground. Well, let's head on over the meet their Council."

Two large antelopes begin bounding across the plains from you from a kilometer away. You can see their bright orange coats and curving black antlers bobbing as they gallop across the ground at a fast travel pace. They are much larger than normal antelopes would be and even from here you can see they have bright yellow eyes.

Pointing at the antelopes, Rurr asks with excitement: "Have you seen this? They are enormous! And those eyes!" Then, not being sure how Pal will react, he recalls her with a sharp whistle to have her close to him.

Testing out his new abilities, thanks to Rurr, Dalibor sends his thoughts to Thal to "enjoy a run if you'd like, but we aren't hunting for food right now." Thal dashes off into the blue-green grass and eventually returns as Dalibor and Rurr start walking towards where he had previously met the Hauvians.

The antelopes aren't going to let you just walk away from the gate it seems and upon bounding close to you, two of the natives appear in a flash of light and smoke where the creatures had been just a moment before. Each of them carries a crossbow, with a rack of quarrels for it on their back. "Travelers from the gate!" one calls, getting your attention. "One of you is known to us. The other is not. You are from Saliv, what is your business on our world?"

Amazed at the sight of the transforming Hauvans, Rurr calms down as he notes the crossbows. As he is the one strangers to the newcomers, he stays behind and let Dalibor handle the presentations to be sure that he won't make a blunder.

Bowing his head to the Hauvians and sending out a telepathic call for Thal to "come on back", Dalibor greets the Hauvians. "I am thankful that you have remembered me. As Dr. Artemis brought me to learn and grow from you and your world, I have brought my new friend Daerevrurr and his companion. He has been fascinated and in awe from our descriptions. He is dedicated to Nature and finding harmony with fauna, as my late friend Goblin had learned to be after meeting you. I will let him speak more of his thoughts."

The hauvans patiently wait for Rurr to deliver their thoughts.

Scratching the back of his head as he is not sure what stance to take, Rurr makes a step forward and bows as Dalibor did. "Hello. I'm Rurr and this is Pal'" he starts to say while pointing at the blue Nullbird. "I was raised by a Nullbird flock and grew pretty close to nature. I want to help Salivian become closer to their home planet and study the Breach monsters that are plaguing our world. But I'm reluctant to kill when unnecessary. I'm honored to meet you."

"interesting introduction" the first o the hunters says "You'd like to speak with leadership I assume. We will take you there if you wish. You have come through the gate, and that is never done lightly"

Rurr bows slightly. "We would be honoured to meet your leaders, indeed. Recent explorations on Saliv have led to the discovery of multiple damaged resonators. We would like to request your help and knowledge to restore them."

"Oh, and I was able to find the materials needed for the creation of an arcane Poppet. With your assistance, I would like to fashion it and maybe learn the method itself from you all."

"We will fashion it for you, Dalibor Uclaiv" the first of the Hauvan scouts says,. "Follow us, though I do not think the arcane smiths will trust the knowledge of our world being carried off with someone who has only been here twice. You have limited contact with our society. We respect you both as members of another tribe we are allied with, but this does not entitle you to the deep mysteries of our culture. In short. While you are friends with us, and you will be given all courtesy during your time here, you are not one of us"

Following the Hauvians, Rurr listens to their explanation and simply answers: "I wish to prove worth enough to become friend with you and to prove you that the people of Saliv are a worthy allie. I really hope we won't fail or disappoint you."

"This partnership should be about more than extracting magical secrets from us" the Hauvan says to Rurr, "Though you have not asked us for such yourself. There was another like you with a similar attachment to their nullbird. "

"I have seen you transform yourself from an animal form. Is that some of the magical secrets that you are mentioning?" asks Rurr in return. "In any case, I have always lived in harmony with nature and I'm adept of the concept of giving back what was taken. So if I were to request like we want to do today, I will repay my debt."

'The complete transformation is possible for us here on this side of the gate. The world you come from does not have the background levels of metaspace required for such a transformation"

Willing to know more, Rurr asks: "Does that mean this is something limited to people born on your planet while they are on your planet or outsiders could potentially reach this level of power if they are on Hauvis? Not that I want to steal your knowledge but I'm curious."

Nekosmash

"We will fashion it for you, Dalibor Uclaiv" the first of the Hauvan scouts says,. "Follow us, though I do not think the arcane smiths will trust the knowledge of our world being carried off with someone who has only been here twice. You have limited contact with our society. We respect you both as members of another tribe we are allied with, but this does not entitle you to the deep mysteries of our culture. In short. While you are friends with us, and you will be given all courtesy during your time here, you are not one of us"

"Your words hold great truth. My smith are smiths, and we would not easily trust other with our tools or our family smithing techniques. One either marries into the family and becomes an Uclaiv or becomes a friend as close as family. I am trying to guide my family towards a way of smithing and creation that is not exploitive Saliv. My grandparents fled persecution to start new lives on Saliv, and we want the best for our home. Seeing this world, I would like to set Saliv on a path to achieve the same harmony, if at all possible. To that end, I hope that we may grow in your trust and under your guidance."

.

5:35 PM

(just getting rid of the ping. I'll answer this when I circle back)

1

Rurr listens silently to Dalibor's short excerpt of his life. He takes mental note to ask more about it later.

"You probably want to speak with our leaders then. Follow us to the shore. It is a few kilometer walk from here as you'd measure it. From there a boat will bring you to the floating city and you'll be able to meet with the chief and his council in person. Do not attempt to hunt any of the creatures of this world in our presence. They are all living things we feel the presence of intimately. "

Rurr nods and starts to follow the Hauvians as the moved. Turning to the one that has warned them about hunting, he asks: "Is that link you have with living things part of the magical powers you mentioned earlier or is it something that you have learned to grow and develop? I can myself communicate with animals to some extent and I wonder how different it is from your own experience."

"It is a bit of both. We live in an area saturated by metaspace, things normally done by psychics are amplified and exaggerated here"

9:08 AM

"You may see all manner of unnatural things this side of the gate that for us would just be how we live, or second nature "

Rurr simply nods, content with the answer he has been given and stops harassing their guide for the moment.

Dalibor males sure to emphasize to Thal that they aren't to hunt while here.

The guides bring you to a large boat that has been tied to the shore pier. They themselves turn into large fish, leaping into the air and transforming before vanishing below the waves. Ths city is not visible from hear, but a quick trip downstream will see you emptied into the protected cove the cities float above.

Once again amazed by the transformation in animals - and a bit envious of this capability, Rurr looks the guide swim and move as if they were real fishes. Turning to Dalibor, he says with a smile: "These place and these people are truly fantastic! You weren't overselling it to me."

"It is a wonder. I'm fearful that Saliv has gone past the point of being able to achieve the same connection, but I hope we can at least reach a better place with their help."

"For sure. I will do all I can do to give Saliva the best chances to become closer to this place. The Alliance have accepted me when I came from the wild and it's my duty to dedicate my life to try make the life of others better."

The guides are gone now, swimming up stream and it looks like you have both been left the boat to continue on

As the boat continue its route toward the city, Rurr observes the Hauvian world before asking to Dalibor: "You have met their leaders in the past, right? How are they? How should I behave before them?"

"The first time I was here, I was with my friend Goblin and it was very tense. Like they said, they don't kill other creatures here. Goblin was a monster hunter and they immediately knew. We both asked for favors or boons, and I can now understand why they are extra careful to make sure we are going to be true to our words and pledges. As such, Goblin had several trials to overcome to purge himself of the stain of blood and I was given a vague clue to go find the needed resources myself that forced me to venture out and learn more of Saliv." Nodding to himself, "They are stern but fair. Everything is based on making sure we will use our talents and any of their gifts for the betterment of Hauvis and Saliv. So we need to make sure to carefully consider what we say and anything we ask for."

Rurr nods. "Thanks. I take good note of that and I will make sure to show that my truest and deepest will is to work for the betterment of Saliv. If I can help Hauvis by extension, then I'm all in." Then going silent for a few moments while looking at the scenery, expecting to see the city soon, Rurr adds while still looking away: "Many of you speak of that Goblin man. You should told me more about him later so I can learn from his mistakes and I don't reproduce them."

The boat is wooden and sturdy, missing a motor, but instead it has been provided with two sets of oars , a right and left for each of you. The current is slow at the moment and you see no evidence of rapids from here to the distant bay where the city is.

Taking one of the oars, Rurr looks at Dalibor. "Well. Looks like we will have to prove ourselves worthy to meet the Hauvian leaders. At least, we will get to do some sport." he concludes with a grin.

"A little exercise never hurt anyone." Sitting down at his oar, Dalibor shares stories of his adventures with Goblin fighting monsters, meeting the Nullbirds and Goblin befirending Aura, their failed encounter with the Hell Tree, the invasion of the Terminal City, and other stories. "He was a good man. The least important thing to me about him was that he had Breach Exposure." Staring off into the distance, "He hid it from almost everyone, like he was ashamed or fearful of people's reaction, but he was honestly my best friend outside my family. I regret every day that I wasn't with him when he died. Maybe if I'd been there, like other times, he would have survived. But I was so wrapped up in trying to find my own solution to the Hell Tree that I left him alone to die, and others defeated the Hell Tree instead of us."

1

Rowing with Dalibor, Rurr listens to the story in silent. When Dalibor is finally done, Rurr speaks again. "Well, listening to your deep words of sincerity, it looks like Goblin was truly a friend you miss. I hope I will have the chance to have such a friend one day. Sure, I already have Palarendor and I will never be as close as I am with her with any other being. But being friend with someone else would be great as well." Then, waiting a few seconds, he adds: "As for how Goblin died, I'm sure that he is not mad as you, wherever he is. From what little information I have been able to glance here and there, you wouldn't have even been allowed in this trial he had to face anyway. You shouldn't keep yourself responsible for what happened and, who knows, maybe your strong link with him will let you see him again in the future, under one form or another. There are many things we don't understand about death."

With a frustrated sigh and blowing air out his nose, "I know he wouldn't be mad at me, and I know there was no way I could have helped him with his trial. The Hauvians made that plenty clear. I just..." Taking a deep breath, "I'm not one of the big movers and shakers among the IA. I don't like making interplanetary decisions or mucking about in politics. He was the same way, and I miss not feeling so alone in the Council." Shaking himself out of the cloudy mood, "But that's the past, and all we can do is move forward. Thank you for listening. It means a lot."

2

Speechless now that Dalibor has poured out his hearth, Rurr stays silent for a bit before hesitantly tapping on Dalibor's shoulder. He remembers seeing people do this in movies and even if he don't fully understand the meaning of this gesture, he feels like it's the good time to do it. "I will never be able to replace Goblin but I feel like our roads will cross many time as you seem as inclined as I am to make Saliv a better place to live by going one small step after the other." That said, Rurr offers a compassionate smile to Dalibor.

(I don't want to cut anytihng off, let me know when you're both satisfied with the scene and I'll move us along) (edited)

(I'm good with moving along if that's OK for Dalibor.

)

(good to go)

It is dusk as you emerge into the bay where the floating cities make anchor.

12:31 PM

There is a large contingent of Hauvan locals , including their chief on the western bank of this cove waiting to meet with you. At his right is one of the scouts you had seen earlier, coming ahead to muster the local leaders ,as promised.

Amazed at the sight of the floating cities, Rurr doesn't really have the time to contemplate them. Once they arrive before the Hauvians, Rurr bows politely but stay behind Dalibor, letting him speak first once again as he is not an anonymous here.

"Greetings to you from Dalibor and Rurr of Saliv. I have found the materials described to me during my last visit to form a non-living poppet in order to preserve life in times of adversity in the future. I also bring my new friend Rurr. He is one connected to the land in a way not too dissimilar from the Hauvians, as I understand it. He would like to learn more, and we would both like to become truer friends with Hauvis."

"Truer friends. There is always a motivation, always a reason for why" the chief says , as he gestures for the two of you to follow him. The crowd of retainers and other important Hauvan officials begins melting away at his hand signals, as the following conversation is something they'll be doing in private.

Taking that as a hint to better state what he has in mind, Rurr starts to follow the chief with a nod. "That's right that I have my own motivation. I have been raised by a flock of Nullbirds alike to our two feathered companions and only recently have I been welcomed by the people of Dremlas and the Inheritor Alliance to join their rank. As such, I still have a lot to learn about social interactions but one thing is clear in my mind. I want to give the best of myself to help the Inheritors leave in harmony with Saliv and nature like I did during my youngest years among the flock. As I'm learning from the Inheritors, I figured I could also learn from you as I have been told you are almost one with nature. This would be an honor to learn from you and your people. Stopping a moment, Rurr finally adds in a flounder, hoping that his sincerity won't hinder his burgeoning relation with the Hauvans: "And to be totally honest, I'm amazed by your capabilities to transform yourself in animals. I understand this is one of your most important secrets and I won't ask you to teach it to me but I guess I could at least learn a lot from this to improve my connection with Palarendor."

(we'll split off here. I know Dali is on a ship and things aren't smooth, but Rurr is here and is active, so Dali we can stay here since most of what you want is written out, Rurr, we'll move back to your thread. I'll set something written next time I make a pass through things)

(Good for me. Thanks)

(sorry, didn't know we'd be gone this long. I'm back for a few weeks now)

(No worries. Good thing you are back and safe

)

(So, do I continue here or wait for Rurr's part?)

(You’ll continue here. Rurr is back in their own thread )

(sorry been a long week. I'll post/respond tomorrow.)

(sounds good! )

Dalibor follows the chief, hoping to have as few verbal missteps as possible.

"The components you gathered" The chief says as you beign moving away from the group. "You have them on you? I will need them"

Gesturing to the pack on Thal and his own backpack, "I found these materials while exploring more of Saliv. I'm hoping that they are of sufficient quantity and quality."

"We can assemble the poppet armature for you, you have done as we requested. The work will take a day and non Hauvans are not permitted to come within our forge. You have other interests in this world, Dalibor?" the chief says, reaching to take the arcane components from you so he can hand them off to those responsible for creating the device.

"I would like to possibly explore or learn more about Hauvis with Thal or rejoin Rurr. If there is anything I can help with, please let me know. Yes it might be considered selfish, but my personal goal is to have my family and Saliv more in balance, specifically the Breaches and the Terminals." Gesturing with his hands in a slightly lost way, "Some of our psionic professors discovered that the creatures we call Terminals are constantly in pain, be in physically or psionically. That would make even a gentle creature lash out in anger, and we've seen that. So, some of them have developed a way to join fractured pieces of Terminals minds into a Reclaimed that is free of that pain. At least, that's how I kind of understand it. I probably missed a lot of stuff and might be describing it wrong, but the goal is to bring relief to the Terminals and peace between us without resorting the slaughter and extermination." "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Or are we still acting like children causing more problems for the future?"

"one cannot live while the other exists. The human survivors of the Breaches and the terminals cannot co-exist. You represent two ways of live that directly oppose one another- the termiansl are what you'll become if you fall to the breach and to the whims of unchecked metaspace. What you are doing now is your own way of finding balance. Metaspace is a useful tool, but in its raw state it is a fire started in haste with imperfect materials. It consumes and destroys with little regard for what is swallowed up in its path. "

"I had hoped there might be a way to learn to coexist, but your words ring true. If you don't mind answering, how is it that Hauvis does not have the Metaspace Breaches like Saliv? Do your people know what caused them to appear on Saliv?"

"This area of space is entirely different from your own. The conditions here are just...different.... A metapsionic would be able to explain it, we lack that sort of expertise, but it is not required for our way of life. For why Saliv has breaches and we do not is of the same cause.. .you are in a different region of space, metaspace and the barriers between it and the real world act differently there "

"Well, I guess that's good to hear. I was afraid that Saliv and Hauvis used to be the same, or at least very smilar, but then Saliv had done some terrible psionic experiment far in the past and caused the Breaches. Where would you like me to go while poppet is being forged?"

(if you have other questions for him we could basically take a walk and roleplay while they work, if not, we can fast forward)

(He'd just want to learn more about their history and culture, but we can fast forward)

(If you can think of one specific question related to their society with that as your lens I’ll give you an answer as we fast forward here, and that’ll get added to their article )

"Your people value life and do not kill for food. How did this belief system and practice come about?"

"We feel the life force of all creatures and things on this world. We are part of a vast and connected web. To remove a life from this web brings rise to new life, and it is part of the cycle of things. We have grown to understand this, and celebrate life in all of its forms. In doing so, we see our place in it. We take energy from the ground ,and from the metaspace storms that sustain us. We do not need to slay the beasts of the land- as we do not have the need to do so any longer"

9:18 AM

"Some of our fellow travelers on the sea of life must do this to survive, but they are beasts, and we are something more. We have the power of choice, and the ability to rise above the hollow life of living by instinct alone"

"You were able to grow in such a way to take in sustaining energy from the environment and the metaspace, and the insight and care to not absorb too much that hurts either? I would fear there would be many in our area of space that would try to abuse that gift as a weapon. I think even I would be tempted if my life was in dire straits. If if could be shared, that is one gift I hope you do not share with anyone you are not absolutely certain could be trusted."

"It is a gift that cannot be shared unless you are native to Hauvis, and as you have said yourself, even you might be tempted by using it if your life was in danger. It is not something we would give to anyone not of this planet," (edited)

"For that, I am grateful. Thank you for taking the time to teach me more of your people and Hauvis."

Several more hours pass in this reflective walk through nature before you’re invited to return to the L Gate where a large carry case is waiting for you. Rurr has already returned to Saliv , you are told, sent on his own mission on behalf of the locals.

Taking the case, "Thank you again for making this for me and for our conversation. Is there anything I can do for you or advise you might have for our side of the gate?"

"You've come looking for a solution that is not there. You cannot survive while the terminals do too, not without generations of pain and suffering to come. Extinction cycles are every bit a part of the natural world as evolutionary epochs are. "

"Understood. Thank you again." Dalibor and Thal head back through the L-gate and head home. (will do another post later)

(We can move back to your thread for it if you haven't already)

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